Bastar Dussehra: A Grand 77-Day Celebration
The Bastar Dussehra festival, one of the world’s longest festivals, concluded after 77 days in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. This tradition has been celebrated for over 800 years. Kamal Chandra Bhanj Deo, Bastar’s 24th and current titular ruler, expressed his sentiments, saying, “Today, the 77-day-long Dussehra festival is ending. The mother goddess will return to her home to mark the end of this festival. We will bid adieu to her like a daughter. We pray to the mother goddess that her blessing continues to be upon us, the state, and the country.”
The Unique Traditions of Bastar Dussehra
The festival begins with the ‘Patjatra’ rituals, where a log of the saal tree is worshipped. Unlike other Dussehra celebrations, there is no tradition of Ravana’s defeat. Instead, it is a festival dedicated to worshipping goddess Shakti. The event is celebrated in Jagdalpur, the division headquarters of Bastar, with large participation from tribal and other communities.
The Saras Mela and Chariot Procession
The Saras Mela, organized by the Bastar administration, was inaugurated on October 12 in Jagdalpur. As part of the tradition, the worshipped log is used to construct a massive chariot. This chariot carries the canopy of goddess ‘Danteshwari,’ the deity of Bastar, around the city. This tradition was initiated by the royal family of Bastar. Although the festival was subdued during the pandemic, it usually attracts a large number of attendees.
Doubts Revealed
Bastar Dussehra -: Bastar Dussehra is a special festival celebrated in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, India. It is different from the regular Dussehra festival and lasts for 77 days, making it one of the longest festivals in the world.
Chhattisgarh -: Chhattisgarh is a state in central India. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, including forests and waterfalls.
Patjatra -: Patjatra is a unique ritual performed during the Bastar Dussehra festival. It involves traditional ceremonies and is an important part of the festival’s celebrations.
Danteshwari -: Goddess Danteshwari is a revered deity in the Bastar region. A massive chariot is constructed in her honor during the Bastar Dussehra festival.
Kamal Chandra Bhanj Deo -: Kamal Chandra Bhanj Deo is the current ruler of Bastar. He plays a significant role in the Bastar Dussehra festival and hopes for the blessings of goddess Danteshwari.
Jagdalpur -: Jagdalpur is a city in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. It is the main location where the Bastar Dussehra festival is celebrated.
Saras Mela -: Saras Mela is a fair that takes place during the Bastar Dussehra festival. It showcases local crafts, food, and culture, and was inaugurated on October 12 this year.
